Thursday, 20 September 2018, corresponding to 10 Muharram 1440 on the Islamic lunar calendar, is the day of A'shura, the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Chief of Martyrs, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

Iran/ According to an Iran Press report, tenth of Muharram is the anniversary of the martyrdom of the younger grandson of Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), the Chief of Martyrs Imam Hussein (peace be upon him). He was martyred on 10th of Muharram in the year 61 A.H., at the age of 57, in the desert of Karbala, in southern Iraq.

During his journey from Mecca to Karbala, Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) stated: "The purpose of my journey is to expose the anti-Islamic and tyrannical rule of Yazid, to encourage the performance of good deeds and prohibit what is forbidden and unlawful, and to resist and stand up to repression and tyranny. My only objective is to support the Holy Quran, and to revive genuine Islam."

Devout and faithful Muslims in the Islamic republic of Iran, mourn the martyrdom of Chief of Martyrs Aba Abdollah al-Hussein by attending mosques and Husseiniyehs during the month of Muharram, particularly on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, that is the day of Ta'sua and the day of A'shura.

Eulogy, rhythmical beating of the chest, and self-flagellation using chains are all very common forms of mourning for the Chief of Martyrs Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).

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